Why is the Norway maple not a native tree?
It is a non-native popular landscape tree that can spread into native woodlands. Norway maple invades woodlands by out-competing sugar maple due to its shade tolerance. Wildflower diversity is reduced because it forms a dense canopy.
Is Norway maple invasive in Minnesota?
Norway maple is not on any Minnesota control list, but it should be reported when seen in forest areas. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides detailed recommendations for reporting invasive species.
How do Norway maples spread?
Norway maple invades woodlands by out-competing sugar maple due to its shade tolerance. Wildflower diversity is reduced because it forms a dense canopy. Trees are spread by seed. Norway maple are often overlooked and confused with sugar maple.
When did Norway maples become popular?
During the 1930s and 1940s when the streets of many cities lost their shade trees to Dutch Elm disease, Norway Maple was widely used as a replacement because of its fast growth and deep shade. Brush pile of Norway Maple fallen branches

Should I remove Norway maple?
A shade tree that could be removed is Norway maple. Its seeds fall onto the forest floor and dominate. Then the slower-maturing, more desirable species listed above can't get a foothold. With that said, if a cultivated Norway maple is planted on your property and is doing well, don't cut it down.
Is Norway maple tree invasive?
Norway maple has been reported to be invasive throughout the northeastern U.S. from Maine to Wisconsin, south to Tennessee and Virginia and also in the Pacific Northwest. Over time, as reforestation occurred across the Northeast, Norway maple joined native tree species as a component of eastern forest ecosystems.
What problems does the Norway maple cause?
Norway Maples have severe environmental impacts: They grow faster than native maples and other forest trees and its dense, shallow root system makes it difficult for native seedlings to get established. They create a dense shade, under which other species cannot survive, hence my naked garden beds.
Are Norway maples invasive in Canada?
Manitoba and Norway maple are the most common invasive maples. The leaf can be the easiest way to tell maple species apart. Lobes are partially rounded portions of the leaf that are divided by a Sinus. The Sinus is the deep indentations in the leaf.
Is a Norway maple a good tree?
Fast-growing Norway maples quickly form a dense canopy and tolerate many adverse conditions which made them successful in cities as well as potential invaders. Norway maples can withstand a variety of environments and tolerate high winds, frost and air pollution, as well as a wide range of soil acidity.
How can we control Norway maple?
If you want to know how to manage a Norway maple sapling, use pruning loppers to fell the young tree. Then apply an herbicide to the exposed stump. In an area where the trees have already spread into the wild, one method of Norway maple control is pruning out seed-bearing branches each year.
How far do Norway maple roots spread?
How Deep Do Maple Tree Roots Go? With small maples, like the Japanese maple, the roots are typically only 3 feet deep. For larger varieties, including sugar, red, silver, and Norway maple, expect the maple tree root system to reach 10–20 feet in depth when the tree is mature.
What can you plant under a Norway maple?
Hostas, wild ginger, deadnettle (Lamium maculatum), variegated yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon 'Variegatum'), and barrenwort (Epimedium) are just a few of the plants you could try. Use caution when planting these around established trees. Do NOT add soil around the tree.
How long does a Norway maple tree live?
Under ideal conditions in its native range, Norway maple may live up to 250 years, but often has a much shorter life expectancy in North America, sometimes only 60 years.
Do Norway maples poison soil?
Norway maple has a dense, shallow root system, which releases poisonous chemicals into the soil that kill other plants. Studies have shown that forests dominanted by norway maples have a greatly diminished plant species diversity.
Are Norway maples the same as sugar maples?
If the sap is white, it's a Norway maple; sugar maples have clear sap. If you have a known sugar or Norway maple leaf for comparison, you'll also see that the leaves of a Norway maple are broader compared to their height than those of sugar maple.
Are Norway maple leaves toxic?
Hybrids of red, silver and sugar maple with nontoxic maple species (such as Japanese maple or Norway maple trees) are considered less toxic than their pure counterparts, but still are considered dangerous according to Equus Magazine.
How deep are Norway maple tree roots?
How Deep Do Maple Tree Roots Go? With small maples, like the Japanese maple, the roots are typically only 3 feet deep. For larger varieties, including sugar, red, silver, and Norway maple, expect the maple tree root system to reach 10–20 feet in depth when the tree is mature.
Are Crimson King Norway maples invasive?
The Norway maple is considered an invasive species. Its seeds spread very quickly and the species take over new areas. The same is true of the Crimson King. If you choose it, you will have to clear your yard of its seedlings regularly.
Are Norway maples invasive Ohio?
PLEASE DON'T PLANT NORWAY MAPLE TREES! My neighbor and I both have invasive Norway Maple (Acer Platanoides) trees. Although these large, beautiful trees shouldn't be cut down simply because they've been here so long —-they offer no sustenance.
Are Norway maples native to North America?
Description. The Norway maple, Acer platanoldes, was introduced into the United States about 1756 after being cultivated in England since 1683. This species remained in relative obscurity in the U.S. until the mid- to late-1800's, but is now one of the most popular urban trees.
What are Norway maples?
Norway Maple ( Acer platanoides L.) 1 tree; reaches 50+ feet tall; creates dense shade; leaves remain green late into the fall 2 opposite leaves have milky juice in stems 3 fruit is a woody, maple-type, double samara with 2 very widely spread "wings" 4 in fall and winter, twigs end in a large, green to dark, reddish-purple, turban-shaped bud
What is the fruit of a maple samara?
opposite leaves have milky juice in stems. fruit is a woody, maple-type, double samara with 2 very widely spread "wings". in fall and winter, twigs end in a large, green to dark, reddish-purple, turban-shaped bud. The milky sap and the widely-spread wings of its samara distinguish Norway Maple.
How many lobes does a samara maple have?
The leaves are 4"-7" across with 5-7 lobes. Horticultural varieties include trees with purplish or green and white variegated leaves.
What is it?
The Norway maple (Acer platanoides) is native to Europe. Its natural range stretches from western France in the east to central Russia in the west, and from southern Scandinavia to northern Turkey. It was first introduced to North America in 1756, when John Bartram of Philadelphia imported trees for sale as ornamental landscaping plants.
How does it spread?
Norway maple flowers early in the spring, before many native North American trees and shrubs, which may favor its ability to spread. It grows more quickly than the native sugar maple, and apparently reproduces more quickly as well. It produces large numbers of seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
How can I identify it?
Because Norway maples are so widespread throughout the northeastern US, they are often overlooked as a native species. Additionally, their leaf shape and branching pattern are very similar to native sugar and red maples.
How can I control it?
Seedlings can be pulled by hand and small to large trees can be cut to the ground. Repeat when necessary to control re-growth from sprouts.
Image Gallery: Norway Maple
Norway maple leaves and samaras. Contrast with sugar maple leaf and samara in the next slide. Photo courtesy Norm Meyn, blogs.pjstar.com
What is the best way to control Norway maple?
The best method of controlling Norway maple is preventing the spread of more.
Why is Norway Maple so popular?
Nowadays varieties of the Norway maple are typically planted in urban areas because of their perceived aesthetics, tolerance to stress and rapid growth.
Where is Norway Maple found in our watershed?
Norway maple is a common urban tree in our watershed. Although significant encroachment into natural areas have not been observed to date, there is a high potential that this will occur.
What kind of sap does a sugar maple tree release?
The stems and branches release a white sap when broken. Mature bark have a small crisscrossing groove pattern. Sugar Maple (similar looking native species) The leaf buds are pointed. Leaves are oppositely arranged and have 5 lobes. Sugar maple leaves tend to be longer than wide.
What are some alternatives to Norway Maple?
Good alternatives to Norway Maple include: Hackberry (adapted to a range of soil types and tolerates difficult urban conditions) Sugar maple (needs deep, rich soil) Silver and Freeman maples (needs moist soils) Downy and smooth serviceberry (tolerates wide range of soils and produces edible berries during the summer!)
Do Norway maples grow in shade?
Norway maples grows rapidly and once established they create a thick canopy which block sunlight from the forest floor restricting growth of native shrubs and ground cover. Also, seedlings can create a thick mat in the shady forest understory and still establish since they are shade-tolerant.
Does NVCA remove invasive species?
NVCA does not offer a service to remove invasive species on private property. If you are looking for tips on dealing with invasive species on your property, see the links above, or visit Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program.
Where did Norway maples come from?
Norway maple (Acer platanoides) was introduced as a shade tree in Philadelphia by John Bartram, a botanist and horticulturist who got the seeds from London in 1756.
What is the color of maple sap?
Unlike sugar maples, its sap is milky, evident when petioles or leaf veins are cut (unless it’s very dry). The small, pale yellow or yellow-green flowers are held in corymbs at the end of branches in spring. They can be rather showy when the whole tree is in flower. Its 2-inch wide winged seed capsules (samaras) are light green until the fall when they turn yellow and then brown.
How many lobes does a maple tree have?
The palmately lobed leaves (arranged oppositely) are usually 4-7 inches wide, wider than those of sugar maple. The leaves usually have five lobes. It leafs out earlier, and the leaves remain green longer than other maples. The fall color varies from yellow-green to yellow or tan. It doesn’t turn red or orange like other maples.
Is the sage tree invasive in Connecticut?
Most people probably don’t even realize it’s considered invasive in Connecticut. The tree is on our state’s official list of invasive plants but is not specifically banned. This is presumably because there are cultivars that are less aggressive or haven’t been evaluated.
Can cultivars escape cultivation?
There are now many cultivars available but even some of those can escape cultivation. The gardener concerned with biodiversity should look elsewhere.
When was Norwegian Maple planted?
Norwegian Maple planted throughout town in early 50s after great hurricanes Carol, Edna, Diane. Damage includes hole in roof, broken beams in attic and floor of attic including above room below ceiling, landscape, etc. I'll get those much more specific from adjuster.
What is the difference between Norway maple and red maple?
Both the red and sugar maples are alternative choices to the Norway maple. Both reach a similar height of 50 to 70 feet as the Norway maple. They are native, hardy, and have attractive seasonal foliage. The red maple (Acer rubrum) has red spring color when in bloom, and yellow to red leaves in fall.
Why is Norway Maple used as a shade tree?
During the 1930s and 1940s when the streets of many cities lost their shade trees to Dutch Elm disease, Norway Maple was widely used as a replacement because of its fast growth and deep shade. Norway Maples continue to be sold throughout the country as ornamental shade trees.
What maple tree has red leaves?
The red maple (Acer rubrum) has red spring color when in bloom, and yellow to red leaves in fall. Most know the attractive leaves of Vermont’s state tree, the sugar maple (Acer saccharum). The red maple tolerates wet soils better than the sugar maple, but is not as drought tolerant.
What is the bizarre province of the one most over-populous species?
Wishing selective life forms dead is the bizarre province of the one most over-populous species: humans. Get a grip.
Does Norway Maple blow down?
One of those falling branches would hurt them badly. Norway Maple blow-down. Norway Maples have severe environmental impacts: They grow faster than native maples and other forest trees and its dense, shallow root system makes it difficult for native seedlings to get established.
Can Norway Maples survive in the shade?
The seedlings are very shade-tolerant, able to spread and grow in interior forests. These seedlings are usually the only plant that can survive in the shade of mature Norway Maples. Forests with Norway Maples show much lower species diversity than forests that have not yet been invaded.
How to control Norway maple?
Physical control: Seedlings are easily hand-pulled from moist soil; larger saplings can be dug or pulled using equipment. Cutting or mowing may be effective. Although Norway maple can resprout from cut stumps, it seems to do so less aggressively than many invasive trees and shrubs. The incidence of regrowth also seems to depend on age, with mature trees regrowing less readily after felling than seedlings and saplings (Munger 2003). Mature trees can also be girdled in early summer by removing a four inch strip of bark and cambium from the whole circumference of the trunk. All cut and girdled trees should be monitored for regrowth and treated with herbicide if needed.
What is Norway maple?
Look-alikes: Of the native maples, Norway maple is most similar in appearance to sugar maple (A. saccharum). Norway maple can be distinguished from sugar maple by the milky white sap that appears at the base of leaf stems when leaves are pulled from twigs. Native maple species have clear sap. The samaras of Norway maple are somewhat larger ...
How is Norway maple distributed?
Norway maple seed is distributed by wind. Research has shown that the normal maximum range of Norway maple seed travel is 165 feet from the parent (Matlack 1987). This is a relatively low dispersal distance compared to species whose seeds are bird or wildlife dispersed. Through movement of seed from successive generations, Norway maple can eventually invade interior areas.
Which maple species have clear sap?
Native maple species have clear sap. The samaras of Norway maple are somewhat larger than those of native species, and the angle between the two halves is wider.
Where is Norway Maple most prevalent?
It is most prevalent at disturbed sites such as abandoned residential, commercial and agricultural land, and highly fragmented and otherwise disturbed forests. However, studies have shown that Norway maple seedlings can establish and dominate in high-quality forest interiors (Webster et al. 2005).
Where do Norway maples grow?
Norway maple invades open and forested areas, including old fields, open woods, forest edges, forest interiors, and transport and utility right of ways. Although it prefers full sun, seedlings can germinate and grow to maturity in shaded conditions (Munger 2003). It is most prevalent at disturbed sites such as abandoned residential, commercial and agricultural land, and highly fragmented and otherwise disturbed forests. However, studies have shown that Norway maple seedlings can establish and dominate in high-quality forest interiors (Webster et al. 2005).
When to apply basal bark herbicide?
Chemical and combined approaches: Cut stump, stem-injection, and basal bark herbicide treatment are all effective and can be applied during most times of the year outside of early spring when sap is flowing upward. Herbicide should be selected carefully based on site conditions, and label directions read and followed carefully.
How tall does Norway Maple grow?
Norway maple is known for its tolerance of urban conditions, but it often becomes a weedy plant through self-seeding. Norway maple will grow to 40-50 feet tall and 35-50 feet wide. It is native to Europe. The bark is gray and fairly tightly ridged and furrowed.
How big does Norway Maple get?
Norway maple will grow to 40-50 feet tall and 35-50 feet wide. It is native to Europe. The bark is gray and fairly tightly ridged and furrowed. Norway maple has simple leaves in pairs (opposite) that are three to six inches long. Leaves are slightly broader than those of sugar maple.
How long are Norway maple leaves?
Norway maple has simple leaves in pairs (opposite) that are three to six inches long. Leaves are slightly broader than those of sugar maple. The five lobed leaves are dark green in summer. Fall color can range from yellow-green to yellow. Small, pale yellow flowers appear in upright, rounded clusters.
Is Norway Maple a weed?
Norway maple is adapted to a wide range of soils and environments and is pollution tolerant. Norway maple is prone to girdling root and tends to self sow and become weedy. Verticillium wilt is a potential serious problem. Anthracnose is a common leaf disease.

What Is It?
How Does It Spread?
- Norway maple flowers early in the spring, before many native North American trees and shrubs, which may favor its ability to spread. It grows more quickly than the native sugar maple, and apparently reproduces more quickly as well. It produces large numbers of seeds that are dispersed by the wind. When seeds land in garden beds or other open areas,...
How Can I Identify It?
- Because Norway maples are so widespread throughout the northeastern US, they are often overlooked as a native species. Additionally, their leaf shape and branching pattern are very similar to native sugar and red maples. The fruits are also similar in appearance; the paired “samaras” have widely-spaced wings that spin and flutter in the wind when falling from the tree. …
How Can I Control It?
- Seedlings can be pulled by hand and small to large trees can be cut to the ground. Repeat when necessary to control re-growth from sprouts.
For More Information
- A wide variety of resources exist about the Norway maple: North American Native Plant Society Virginia Cooperative Extension Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States